Chef and Restaurateur Matt Horn is set to open the doors to his latest venture, Matty’s Old Fashioned on Thursday July 20, 2023. The third concept under the AH2 umbrella, Matty is an interpretation of new American cuisine from the mind of Chef Horn, nestled in the heart of Old Town Oakland, CA. Matty’s Old Fashioned follows Horn’s openings of Horn Barbecue, Kowbird, and recently opened Kowbird at The Sundry in Las Vegas, NV.
“As a culinary artist, the confines of a single style of cooking can be restrictive. Matty’s is a culinary playground that enables me to venture beyond those limits, igniting my passion for exploring new concepts. My aspiration is for Matty’s to serve as a platform to exhibit my creativity within a welcoming ambiance, epitomizing the meticulous attention we devote to our dishes,” said Horn in a statement. He continues, “The menu will be an assortment of dishes that are deeply personal to me, such as my rendition of the timeless diner hamburger. Simultaneously, you’ll discover sophisticated fare that echoes my cooking ethos, extending beyond the realm of barbecue.”
The menu at Matty’s Old Fashioned is a homage to the quintessential American diner. The dishes on the menu encapsulates Chef Horn’s deep reverence for timeless culinary traditions, transporting patrons back to an era of honest and comforting food. Working alongside Chef Horn is AH2’s Culinary Director, Kevin Schant (formerly of MINA Group) bringing years of culinary expertise. From familiar to new, starters on the menu include Dry Aged Meatballs with tomato sauce and aged parmesan, Beef Tartare with cured yolk and capers, Sea Dip with crab and shrimp (a Horn family holiday favorite), Baked Pretzel with Cheese dip, Fried Brussels Sprouts, and a Caesar Salad with cured yolk and Boquerones. Central to the menu is Horn’s Matty’s Burger made with a proprietary blend of dry-aged beef, caramelized onions and aioli all on a griddled potato bun. Other nods to diner nostalgia includes dishes like the Fried Bologna Sandwich with honey mustard aioli and crispy onion rings, Grilled Hot Dog with onion, and relish, Fish Sandwich with American Cheese and creamy tartar sauce, and a Fried Chicken Sandwich with sweet chili and cognac sauce. To round out the menu, Matty’s will blend up housemade milkshakes from classic vanilla to Bananas foster.
Beyond the food, Matty’s bar program includes a craft beer collection and a curated wine list. Coming Fall 2023, Matty’s will expand the bar program to include a comprehensive cocktail menu that reflects the same spirit of tradition and innovation reflected in the food.
Matty’s interior design, personally crafted by Matt Horn, encapsulates the essence of a refined diner. As guests step into the restaurant, they’re welcomed by a sprawling bar along the wall, beckoning for a gastronomic experience. The bar is adorned with a vivid neon pink sign “Stay old fashioned with me”. On the rear wall, an open-concept kitchen grants a view into Chef Horn and his team’s culinary mastery. The furniture, consisting of custom-crafted chairs and benches, is deliberately selected to reflect the menu’s classic yet sophisticated ethos. With floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the dining area in natural light, the visual aesthetics lean into dark blues, exposed brick, a broad wooden bar, and tin ceiling tiles, resonating with the enchanting allure of Old Town Oakland.
Matty’s is located at 464 8th St, Oakland, CA 94607 and opens on Friday, July 14. Dinner will be served Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
